Chicago Warehouse Plan Draws Opposition

CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) --The Chicago Plan Commission has approved a project to put a warehouse distribution center over the objection of some neighbors and environmental groups.

The facility would be built on the now-closed site that once housed the coal-fired Crawford power plant.

Kim Wasserman-Nieto, executive director of the Little Village Environmental Justice Organization, said local residents fought hard to shut down that pollution-generating plant. They do not support plans by Hilco Redevelopment Partners to build the largest available warehouse in the city.

Opponents say the diesel trucks will jeopardize the community’s environment.

But 22nd Ward Ald. Ricardo Muñoz, who backs the project, said it would bring great jobs and benefits to the community.